With an early cold spell, the ponds around the castle quickly froze. Claire couldn't wait for the weekend to get out her skates.
When the free days arrived, she stepped out into the crisp autumn air, pulling her coat a little closer around herself. People were scooping up the thin layer of snow to try to have snowball fights, and a few noblmen even got down to make snow angels.
Coming up on the biggest pond, she saw that it was already pretty busy with skaters, so she set off to find a more private one. Her search didn't last long, and she found a shallow pool of water frozen all the way down to the bottom. It was perfect.
She sat on a log to put on her skates and started out onto the pristine ice. Taking a few laps, she felt the cool breeze on her face, the air refreshing after being in a somewhat stuffy castle all day.
As she skated, she decided to practice a part for the upcoming Jewels auditions. The part of Ruby seemed right up her alley - fast paced and exciting. With her skill on ice, she was able to do it, even without a partner.
From the school, she saw a couple people coming her way, but stayed on the ice. There would be room if they wanted to join her.
"Looking good," one of them shouted as they came closer.
Her friend looked to be reading.
"Care to join me? The ice is thick," she called back.
"Sure! Come on Khai."
The nobleman looked up and furrowed his brow. "Me? On ice? I'll pass, thanks."
His friend persisted. "Oh quit being such a flat tire. It'll be fun!"
"You go flirt, I'm staying here where I'll pretend I'm in the desert."
Shaking her head, the first stepped onto the ice. "Suit yourself."
Seeing her almost lose her balance, Claire came over to help. "Careful."
The noblewoman tried to take a step and slipped, grabbing her outstretched arms. "Woah!"
She giggled. "That's it, try another step." She met her eye with a grin, and her mouth parted in surprise. "Oh, it's you."
Realization dawned on her and she smiled. "Hello again."
She suddenly realized she was practically nose to nose with a princess. A very pretty princess. "Y-your highness, I..."
"Woah!" She almost slipped again as they moved out further onto the ice. "Okay. Right. One foot in front of the other. What was your name, my lady?"
How awkward was this? She was still holding on to her... "Claire, your highness."
"Claire, what a lovely name. I'm Princess Danielle." Her grey eyes reflected her amusement as she said, "You don't have to keep calling me your highness."
"Oh. Alright." Claire chuckled as the princess tried to stand on her own and nearly fell.
"I'll just keep holding on, if that's alright, Claire," she said, smiling embarrassedly. "Where in America are you from?"
"Maine. It's on the East Coast. Can I ask what kingdom you're from?"
"Denmark- woah!" She grabbed her arms a little tighter and winced. "Sorry."
She smirked. "I'm a dancer. I've had worse. My partner dropped me once in practice."
Danielle's eyes widened. "How awful."
"I can laugh about it now," she shrugged. Seeing her awkward stance, she giggled again. "Try moving your feet again."
The princess chuckled. "I remembered this as being easier from my childhood."
Claire smiled. "You're getting your balance a bit. Let's turn this way."
With wide eyes, she held on tightly as Claire skated backwards, trusting she wouldn't let her fall too hard.
"We'll have to try this again," she grinned.
Claire smiled, blushing slightly. "Maybe we could."